Monday, October 18, 2010

MEMORIES OF THE EIGHTH NATIONAL YOUTH CONVENTION

The numbers were stunning - a vast ocean of humanity congregated in the area around Calvary, near the grotto, around the Cathedral, on the roads and in the gardens, along the hill-side and any which way you looked...but for those who have attended the Annual Eucharistic Procession here in Shillong, most present were witnessing for the first time such a massive crowd for a Eucharistic celebration...

As usual the general tenor of devotion and recollection was never lost - there was a variety of dances and the cultural diversity of the North-east was aptly on display - but nothing could take away from the solemnity and decorum that befits the celebration of the Eucharist...

An outstanding choir bridged the gap between contemporary music and the rendering of some classical Latin chants (in their English equivalents)...

The apostolic nuncio Rev. Salvatore Pennacchio spoke beautifully in his homily inviting the youth and all present to be "grounded in faith" that is "nourished by prayer" in order to be "witnesses to the world". He definitely hit the right notes judging from the impact his words had on the young people gathered for the Eucharist...

The weather was fantastic - a cloud cover ensured that none would be tortured under the burning sun...and in the afternoon when nothing could dampen the spirits - the heavens poured out their cooling showers...

The cultural extravaganza that followed the lunch was a veritable feast for the eyes and the heart...The different north-eastern states provided glimpses of their rich heritage...There were speeches, too, and among the more memorable was that of Smt. Agatha Sangma, one of the youngest ministers of the Union Cabinet, who exhorted her contemporaries to a lived faith which would lead to making India a better place...

The crowd remained rooted to their places till the very end of the program which culminated in a prayerful benediction service and the handing over of the Cross to the Diocese of Jullunder - hosts of the next youth gathering...

I am certain that the entire concluding ceremony will be remembered fondly by all those present for a long time to come...It was testimony to a faith that has transformed the world based on the person of Jesus Christ...and the story goes on as the young people of today carry forward the mission of liberating the world...

Needless to say - we raise a prayer of thanks to God for this fantastic experience we have had and give a rousing applause to all those who made it all happen...